Upper Darby, faced with failing sewers, adds pipe inspections before home sales

Upper Darby Township will require homeowners in the most populous municipality in the region outside of Philadelphia to have their sewer lines inspected before selling their property, a move Realtors called ineffective at solving the township’s problems with an aging sewer system and untimely given real estate challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic

Sewer pipe inspections cost a few hundred dollars and repairs can cost thousands, which would put a strain on sellers and could make selling homes more expensive and difficult, especially as the pandemic disrupts the housing market

Township officials said they were looking out for the interest of buyers, making sure that what is likely one of the biggest purchases of their lives does not include surprise sewer problems. A growing number of municipalities are passing or considering similar laws

So far this year, the township has spent about $75,000 on overtime pay for sewer maintenance workers, he said. The township’s director of licenses and inspections said several sewer backups occur each week due to the old and overwhelmed system, sometimes spewing wastewater onto streets and sidewalks. Sometimes the sewer main is the problem, and sometimes it’s the laterals.

The Suburban Realtors Alliance, based in Chester County, calls Upper Darby’s ordinance a Band-Aid, estimating that the approach means the township will inspect 1% to 2% of sewer laterals each year.

 

Most Important Manhole Inspection Items

Often times, I’m asked “When is it important to complete manhole inspections?” Manhole inspections should be performed during wet weather, or when the groundwater level is at its peak.  Ideally, November to May is the best time to perform manhole inspections to detect inflow & infiltration (I/I). With the snow/ice melt in February and March compounded with heavy rains, Cities and Towns will notice flows spike at lift stations and wastewater treatment facilities.

The Manhole Chimney During Heavy Rain

One of the most important manhole components to observe during a manhole inspection is the manhole chimney. As you can see below, this manhole was constructed of precast concrete, with the exception of the manhole chimney which was constructed of brick. During dry weather the chimney may appear to be in good shape; but when the groundwater rises or heavy rains occur, you may see a different story entirely. It is often hard to believe you are looking at the same manhole, under slightly different conditions. For reference, the inflow that was observed to the right was entering at a rate of approximately seven gallons per minute.

Struck During Final Grading

It is always a good idea to have a construction inspector on site during sanitary manhole installation. Additionally, a trained Construction Inspector should complete a final inspection and sign off prior to the Muncipality or Utility taking over responsibility of the sewer system. After construction, there is typically a three-year maintanace bond and inspection that should take place, but this is often times forgotton. I have frequently seen frame and covers offset due to being struck during final grading, or as a result of not being properly marked in fields that are worked by farm machinery. If these manholes are located in low-lying areas, the amount of inflow could be catastropic to your sewer system. Below are three photos of manholes that were struck during the final grading and never corrected by the utility.

Properly Stacked Out

Far too often, I come across sanitary sewer manholes that were not properly stacked out during construction. Most utilities and municipalities have a set of plans, specifications, and details that contractors are to follow during construction. Contractors are to supply the muncipality shop drawings to indicate what product they are installing. In many cases, for whatever reason the details and/or specifications are not adhered to, which will result in a poor final product, resulting in I/I entering the system.The photo to the left is an example of the use of brick, stone, etc. for grade adjustment, in lieu of the proper concrete adjusting ring.The photo in the center is of an O-Ring gasket that was not secure during manhole installation. The O-Ring is designed to help maintain a water tight seal at the joint. The photo to the right is an active joint leak due to  an inadequate amount of Kent Seal and/or failure to apply the proper amount of butyl rubber/plastic wrap on the exterior joint. All of these deficiencies can result in infiltration entering the sanitary system.

Rubber Boot

One of the most common observations is a leaking pipe penetration. When a new manhole is constructed, a rubber boot should be installed on the precast manhole to facilitate installation of the sewer pipe. This boot is tightened with stainless steel bands to maintain a water tight seal. Many times, concrete is placed around the pipe in lieu of the rubber boot and the result is active infiltration at the pipe penetration as shown in the photo to the left and right. The photo in the center shows a rubber boot installed, but not tightened adequately, causing continuous active infiltration at the pipe penetration.

 

Camera Sewer Inspection

When your pipes are clogged, broken, cracked or otherwise damaged, it can be difficult to find the cause of the issue and the location of the problem area. Leaving your pipes damaged can not only be dangerous for your home; it can also be hazardous to your health. Pipes that are leaking can disrupt the soil around your home, making the foundation shift and causing structural damage, and pipes that are clogged can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that can contaminate your water.

The Solution: Detection

No matter what the problem is, camera inspection can help to find the cause and location of the problem. We do this by lowering a camera down the pipe to see exactly what has affected it. There are a number of things that can damage your pipe including tree roots, leaks, clogs and broken pipes. Once we have identified the cause, we can watch a live video of the problem and determine the best way of dealing with it.

We can also use the camera to determine the exact location of the problem, as the camera is equipped with locators that can help us to pinpoint the area precisely. After we have successfully found the problem and the location of it, we can get started on hydrojetting or mechanical cleaning to get rid of it for good so that it won’t cause any more problems in the future.

 

Things to Look For in an Inspection Crawler

Even in uncertain times, essential sewer services have to be maintained. When capital budgets at the municipal and state levels are under threat, cities increasingly turn to contractors to inspect and maintain wastewater infrastructure. The challenge for contractors is getting equipped to seize the opportunity.

Crawler inspection is a core service for any sewer contractor. Cities need to know the condition of wastewater infrastructure, and inspections reveal where cleaning and rehab work is needed — potentially offering additional opportunities for service revenue. An inspection crawler is a major investment, and the system chosen will ultimately have a significant impact on long-term productivity and profitability.

To make the process easier, Envirosight compiled guidance from contractors on the top 10 factors they consider when making a crawler purchase decision.

Agility. To complete more inspections, a contractor needs the ability to maneuver past obstacles. Choose a steerable design that can navigate around obstructions like rocks and protruding taps, and insist on all-wheel drive to power through sediment and grease. A compact wheelbase (with three or more axles) will assist in climbing over offsets and debris

Versatility. Contractors encounter a wide range of pipe sizes, materials and conditions. A modular crawler design can adapt to these challenges. Look for a complete selection of wheels and plug-and-play accessories — preferably ones that can be changed rapidly without tools

 

SEWER LINE REPAIR

When it comes to the sewer line repair in your home, you want to make sure that everything is working the way that it should. A lot of people have issues with their sewer lines or toilets clogging and find that they need additional plumbing services. When they do, they contact our experts at Petri Plumbing to get the job done. We will be able to repair and even replace sewer lines if there is an issue with them. By doing this, your home will be more sanitary and comfortable for you and your loved ones.

WHAT IS A VIDEO SEWER INSPECTION?

A video sewer inspection is when our team of experts uses a very thin and flexible camera that is put throughout the length of the drain that you have at home. This camera will be able to pinpoint the source of your piping issues without having to conduct any invasive excavations. The sewer inspection, when done with a video camera, can inform the technician of basically anything that is going on inside of the line itself

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF SEWER SYSTEM ISSUES?

When it comes to the sewer for your home, there are a variety of things to look out for. One thing to look for is if you are having a lot of backflow, issues flushing the toilet, or clogged drains, all of these situations are signs of possible sewer problems. Also, if you notice a lot of pooling water in the yard, or if you notice a burst pipe or a sewer line in the basement is leaking, the line will probably need to either be repaired or replaced

WHAT IS A SEWER CLEANOUT?

A sewer cleanout can be a great thing for you to have done at home because it takes care of any drain clogging problems that you happen to be dealing with. Cleaning out the sewer involves both the septic tank and the sewer line itself. At Petri Plumbing, will be able to clean out the lines of any build-up or serious clogs.

How Long Does a Sewer Inspection Take?

The simple task of video pipe inspection takes around an hour to complete. New home buyers should consider video pipe inspections before purchasing a home. Many are knowledgeable about the home inspection process and making sure everything inside is up to par but don’t realize things could be going wrong underground.

What is a sewer inspection?

The purpose of an inspection is to determine the condition of the property’s sewer line. The actual inspection is done by a tiny camera attached to a snake line. The camera is lowered into the pipe where it is maneuvered through the system. Here, workers watch on a screen where cracks, overgrowth and other issues may be revealed.

What is the process like?

 This process finds out if the sewer line is working properly. A normal sewer inspection usually takes about an hour. However, if there are intrusions, such as blockages of vegetation or clogs, it could take longer. The home might be in need of new pipes. If that is the case, you can consult with us for a quote to have the pipes cleaned and even renewed with pipe repair.

Why should I get a video pipe inspection?

If owners are buying a home more than 20 years old, it should almost be mandatory to have a video pipe inspection done. There could be corrosion on the pipes, roots growing through pipe joints, cracks, leaks and blockages. All of these can prevent you from enjoying your new home and cause worse sewer problems in the future.

Sewer Repairs Can Be Extremely Expensive

You might wonder, “Do I need a sewer line inspection before buying a house?” The answer is yes. A sewer inspection should be a mandatory part of your house inspection checklist. When considering what inspections to get when buying a house, do not overlook the sewer line. In fact, getting a sewer inspection is one of the most important home inspection tips for first-time buyers. Sewer line inspections are cheap, but sewer repairs can be extremely expensive. Why spend the money on a repair when you could have avoided with a simple inspection?

There’s no such thing as a typical cost for repairing your sewer lines. It can start at a few hundred dollars to snake out a blockage. Or, it could be tens of thousands of dollars to excavate your yard and replace the pipes. The repair bills depend on the sewer line condition, the problem’s location and the root cause.

No pun intended, but speaking of roots, tree roots are the primary cause of blocked sewer lines. Fortunately, roots are easy to find with a closed-circuit television inspection. Unfortunately, they can be very expensive to dig up and clear out. Having the sewer line scoped should be on your house-buying inspection checklist. In fact, you can’t afford not to inspect the sewer line before closing your house purchase deal.

The Warning Signs That Indicate Your Sewer Lines Need Cleaned

There are several things that could cause sewer back-ups and they are not all due to dirty pipes.  Sometimes they are, but not always.

• Roots:  Tree roots penetrating your pipes are the number one cause associated with sewer back-ups.  The roots grow into the pipes and will continue to grow until they fill the pipes completely.  Or, in many cases, the roots will break the pipes, creating an even bigger problem.  A video inspection will help confirm if you have tree roots growing in your pipes.
• Bellied Piping:  A bellied pipe is simply a sag in your pipe.  A sag can occur when part of your pipe slopes down, which creates a “belly” effect.  This is usually caused when the soil around your pipe becomes loose and breaks, making the soil around your pipe unstable and allowing it to sink.  Over time, a bellied pipe will allow waste to accumulate at the bellied part of the pipe, which in turn will create a blockage.  A video inspection will tell your plumber all he needs to know and how to proceed with the proper repair.
• Grease:  Grease is a pipes worst enemy.  Many homeowners casually pour their old, used grease from cooking down the drain.  This is the worst thing you could do.  That grease will eventually turn solid which creates a blockage in your pipes.  If this happens, you will need to have your pipes hydro-jetted.

Why tree roots cause problems for pipes

Plants need organic nutrients to thrive, and a tree’s thin feeder roots seek these nutrients out.

To a tree, your home’s underground sewer line is essentially a highway of, um, fertilizer. If your pipe has even a small leak, feeder roots from nearby trees may detect this weak spot and deliberately grow into any holes or gaps in the pipes. These hair-like roots can run along the interior of the pipe, and eventually multiply to the point of blocking your pipe completely.

Root hairs may also grow into drain pipes or water mains in search of a drink. This process speeds up during the winter months if the tree does not receive the same amount of moisture it does in the summer.

Root invasion is especially common for older pipes that are made of clay or concrete and have more cracks (and therefore more entry points).. PVC pipes tend to be more watertight and therefore less likely to attract roots.

Signs of a root clog in a sewer or drain line

• Frequent, unexplained clogs in toilets, tubs, or sinks
• Frequent toilet backups
• Gurgling sounds
• Water draining slowly from the tub or sink

Signs of a root clog in a main water line

• Gradual drop in the amount of water available
• Low water pressure
• Gurgling or banging sounds

SIGNS YOUR SEWER LINE NEEDS REPAIR

A broken sewer line is a serious plumbing problem that could lead to flooding and contaminated groundwater, leaving your home and yours and the health of you and your family at risk. It’s not the sort of plumbing issue you want to ignore. To prevent damaged sewer lines from turning into a major household catastrophe, it’s important to know how to recognize signs of disrepair.

Slow-Draining Water

Another common indicator of a sewer line problem is a slow-draining sink and/or shower. You should especially be on the lookout for water that comes back up the drain.

Foul Smells and Odd Sounds

If your sewer line is damaged, you can also expect to smell some unappealing odors.

Soggy Patches in the Yard

Unexpected soggy patches on your lawn could also indicate that your sewer line is leaking. In particular, you may notice raised, watery patches near the areas where you pipes run or begin.

Foundation Problems

If your sewer line develops a problem under your home, it could lead to some serious foundation issues if left unchecked. If you’re noticing cracks in your foundation, your broken sewer line has to be repaired as soon as possible. Left alone, it could cause further problems, such as sinkholes and home settling. If the crack continues to grow, you may need to consult with a foundation-repair specialist.

Multiple Plumbing Problems

Another very important sign of potential sewer line damage is multiple plumbing issues occurring at the same time. You may find water backing up in several appliances at once, or when you use one appliance, such as the toilet, water backs up into your shower. This could point to a clogged or broken sewer line. You could experience several or all the problems listed above at once.

Trenchless Pipe Replacement –  Advantages to No Dig Repairs

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Periodically, those underground plumbing lines can become damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. If you notice a sewage smell in your yard or are seeing wet spots on the lawn, you could have a problem with the underground sewer line leading out of your home. Traditionally, repairing one of these pipes would require digging up your yard in order to replace the pipe. Now, fortunately, you have the advantage of a trenchless sewer repair. A certified plumber will be able to assess your concerns and offer viable solutions if any repair is needed.

THE PROS AND CONS OF NO DIG TRENCHLESS SEWER REPAIR TECHNOLOGY

A new no-dig solution has arrived! For the past 15 years, the emergence of the trenchless sewer repair technology has dramatically changed how people perceived pipe repairs and replacements. From new drain installations to clearing clogs to repairing and replacing sewer lines, trenchless services provide the ultimate solution. Sewer line repairs made this way have more advantages to offer!

Pros

Trenchless sewer repair has many benefits over traditional methods:

• Higher quality

State-of-the-art equipment and superior materials are used by expert plumbers to repair broken sewer pipes. In turn, you end up with an extremely durable pipe system that will not corrode, rust, crack, nor fall apart due to tree root invasions.

• Greater Time-Efficiency

Expert plumbers can carry out the trenchless sewer pipe lining method in as little as a few hours towards bring your pipes to a new-like condition. You get to save time and spend it on what matters most.

• Cheaper

Lining sewer pipes save residential and commercial properties up to 75% in costs as compared to replacing the old pipe with a new one. The cost of labor goes down as less hours are needed to complete the trenchless operation. It’s simply the best value out of all the repair methods just about anywhere else.

• Versatile

You won’t have to worry about your old sewer system being made of traditional materials such as concrete, cast iron, orangeburg or clay. Trenchless CIPP technology works for all kinds of pipes, and presents two repair and replacement options of pipe lining or pipe bursting.

• Eco-Friendly

You are bound to enjoy big savings in the long run, apart from helping save the planet, by simply opting for an environment-friendly sewer line repair process.

• No-Dig Technology

The process of trenchless pipe rehabilitation is a no dig solution that makes use of the existing pipe structure, so extensive excavation is no longer needed. Trenchless technology is called as such, simply because creating a trench or a hole in the ground to reach the problem pipe is totally unnecessary.

• Durable

Pipes lined with epoxy resin can last up to 50 years. It is the most efficient and non-invasive method of repairing your sewer pipes, and arguably the wisest investment that returns numerous benefits.

Con

On the downside, there are rare occasions when it might be already too late to rehabilitate a pipe system using the trenchless method. The sewer line could be irreversibly damaged and corroded to a great extent, leaving even the most knowledgeable and experienced plumbers no choice but to manually dig up trenches to replace the pipes.

BENEFITS OF TRENCHLESS “No Dig” PIPE REPAIR

1. You Save Money Three Ways – It doesn’t take a full crew of technicians to handle trenchless repairs, so you save on labor costs. You also save the time of master plumbers on the clock because the process is efficient and finishes up much more quickly than traditional techniques. Your new water or sewer line will last for years, and that saves the expense of future repairs.
2. Downtime Is Significantly Downsized – The time it takes to dig trenches, pull up damaged pipes, lay in replacements and finish the job averages two weeks. All the while, you have to make different living arrangements, and the process can shut down business operations. Trenchless “No Dig” pipe repair only takes one or two days from start to finish, so you return to the house and the office in far less time.
3. The Landscape Doesn’t Change– Digging up pipe in the yard or around your commercial building means tearing up lawns and uprooting shrubs. It’s a messy job that can ruin grass because sewer line replacements can contaminate surrounding soil and cause long-term turf problems. Trenchless “No Dig” technology spares your landscape’s natural good looks and helps preserve its health. Having to deal with commercial plumbing repair can provide a lot of discomfort for many businesses who rely on getting sales on a daily basis.
4. Infrastructure Stays Safe and Sound– Excavating pipe under parking lots doesn’t attract customers, and pulverizing the patio doesn’t improve relaxing in the backyard. Traditional replacement techniques pose structural hazards to home and building foundations, but trenchless pipe repairs spare expensive infrastructure like sidewalks, loading docks and commercial driveways.
5. Trenchless Repairs Rehabilitate Pipes– The trenchless “No Dig” process restores damaged water and sewer lines with special epoxy-treated material that bonds with existing pipe. This proven process creates a barrier that resists cracking and root invasion for years longer than traditional materials. The lining never rusts or accumulates hard water buildup, and it actually improves flow capacity.

Which method of trenchless technology is right for me?

While this question is best answered after your trenchless contractor inspects your drain system, we will provide you with what we see most sensible.

If you have a home built on a slab:

If your sewer is located under a concrete slab, we find cured in place pipe lining is most cost effective. Because pipe lining requires only one access point, it is less disruptive than pipe bursting. If you have connections in the drain line, a pipe liner can be installed right over the connections. After curing the liner, reinstatement cutting tools cut out pinpointed sections of the liner to restore flow to the connecting drains.

If you need a sectional drain repair:

Pipe coating is most cost effective. With the ability to navigate bends and provide pinpointed repairs, pipe coating can be quick and inexpensive.

If you are replacing your underground sewer located outside your property:

Pipe bursting is the preferred choice and typically the most cost effective. With the ability to increase your pipe size and only requiring two access points (provided your drain pipe not have connections in between) pipe bursting can save your property from the irreversible scar excavation may leave behind.

How Trenchless Technology Works

Trenchless pipe repair options are available from our team at Hawaii Drain Pros. Whether you need pipe lining or trenchless pipe bursting, we can be of assistance to you. One option is to install a liner inside the damaged pipe through a single access hole that we will create during the sewer camera inspection that we will conduct in the beginning of our appointment. Once we have inserted the pipe liner, we will pull it and inflate it within the damaged pipe. Once the liner has cured in place, you will have a new pipe within the old damaged pipe. This non-invasive technique is efficient and cost-effective. On the other hand, our pipe bursting method will require two access holes on either side of the sewer line. We will pull a new sewer pipe through the current, albeit damaged one. We will have the old pipe burst outward.